Method for detecting a malfunction in an automated irrigation system

Abstract

A method for detecting a breach in an irrigation line ( 32 ) of an irrigation system ( 10 ) includes comparing a fluid condition at a first point along the irrigation line ( 32 ) with the fluid condition at a second point located at an irrigation unit ( 20 ) to determine whether a disparity of at least a predetermined percentage in the fluid conditions exists. The fluid condition can include a measurement of irrigation fluid pressure, quantity of irrigation fluid ( 19 ), rate of flow of the irrigation fluid ( 19 ), voltage and/or electrical current through the irrigation fluid ( 19 ). The method can include selectively monitoring the fluid condition at the irrigation unit ( 20 ) over time using a main control system ( 22 ). In another embodiment, the method includes comparing the fluid condition at the first point along the irrigation line ( 32 ) with the fluid condition at each of a plurality of second points. In still another embodiment, the method includes the main control system ( 22 ) selectively activating one or more of the irrigation units ( 20 ) so that irrigation fluid ( 19 ) flows to or through one or more of the irrigation units ( 20 ) to measure the fluid condition.

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